Border patrol officers detained 3 citizens – 2 Ukrainians and 1 Georgian – immediately after their release from prison, where they were punished for serious crimes related to smuggling migrants into Western European countries. This is how they were deported and what the consequences of their activities were.
Crimes and convictions
Citizens of Ukraine and Georgia were convicted of participating in an organized criminal group whose main activity was smuggling illegal migrants through Poland to Western European countries. Migrant smuggling is 1 of the most profitable but at the same time the most risky criminal ventures. The defendants, according to the prosecutor's office, participated in the multiple organisation of illegal immigrant transports, utilizing different methods of crossing borders and bypassing controls.
According to statistic from 2023, organised criminal groups liable for human smuggling were active in over 80% of illegal border crossings in the region. The authorities so focused on stepping up efforts to break up specified groups.
Return order and ban on entry into the Schengen area
The defendants were forced to return to their country of origin and to ban entry into Poland and the Schengen area for the next 5 years. It is simply a standard procedure in specified cases, resulting from the provisions of the Foreigners Act, which provides for consequences for persons violating migration law. Pursuant to Article 329 of the Foreigners Act, a foreigner who has been convicted of participation in organised crime is subject to compulsory deportation and a ban on re-entry into the Schengen area.
Immediate deportation of Ukrainians
Ukrainians were immediately transported by border guards to the Polish-Ukrainian border, where they were handed over to their services. Cooperation between the Polish Border defender and Ukrainian services is effective, allowing for fast and effective conduct of procedures related to the expulsion of foreigners.
This action is besides preventive, showing that Poland does not tolerate illegal migration-related crime. Border guards are constantly monitoring the situation at borders, utilizing modern technologies specified as drones and thermal imaging systems, which importantly increases the effectiveness of detecting illegal activities.
Los Georgiana: Closed hotel for foreigners
The situation of Georgian was different. Due to the procedures and the request to get appropriate papers for his deportation, he was directed to a closed centre for foreigners, where he is waiting for the court's final decision on forced return to his country. These centres are temporary residences for persons awaiting deportation or decision on their legal residence.
Centres of this kind, specified as the 1 in Lesznovela, are strictly guarded and supply suitable conditions of residence, but foreigners who reside in them do not have the freedom of movement. In the case of Georgian, the court will decide on his further fate, but due to the seriousness of the crimes committed, it seems almost certain that he will be deported.
Migration policy and national security
This event is another example of the firm approach of Polish services to illegal migration and organised crime. In fresh years Poland has tightened the rules on illegal border crossing and participation in migrant smuggling. These rules aim at ensuring safety and public order, as well as protecting the integrity of the migration system.
Under Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, associate States of the European Union have the right to issue decisions on the return of foreigners residing illegally in their territory, which is part of a broader EU migration policy aimed at combating illegal migration and trafficking in human beings.
Summary
The expulsion of 2 Ukrainian and Georgian citizens from Poland is the consequence of coordinated actions by the services to fight organised crime. Thanks to fast and firm decisions and global cooperation, these men were able to destruct the threat to the safety of the borders of Poland and Western European countries. This example shows that Poland not only seeks to defend its borders, but besides acts in the interests of the full European community, countering illegal migration and cross-border crime.
Continued here:
Organized crime group broken up. 2 Ukrainians and Georgians expelled from Poland after prison
